From Clutter to Calm

Welcome to From Clutter to Calm, a space where I share organizing tips & ideas – and a few other finds. As a professional organizer with a penchant for cooking and shopping, I may also share a recipe or two, a great bargain, or my latest shoe obsession – all with an eye on making busy lives less hectic, less chaotic, and more organized!

I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what challenges you face in getting your life from clutter to calm, what kinds of tips you’d like to see here, or just say hello. If you’d like to learn more about me, or my organizing business please visit my website. Or, you can email me.

Archive for Organizing

2019 is here and if you thought 2018 was a bit crazy, I think 2019 is going to be an even wilder ride. Politics aside….let’s focus on the things we can control, like our home environment. Perhaps you’d like to be more organized…hmmm, just guessing…

Instead of making a New Year’s resolution to get organized, which somehow seems negative and just something we say every year, how about setting an intention instead. That reframe just somehow feels better, more positive, lending itself to actually being implemented.

Write down what you’d like to achieve. Just the act of writing can help propel you forward and make the intention feel more real.

Whether you have one area of your home that is the bain of your existence, e.g. the garage, or are ready to tackle the whole house, know that it is achievable and doesn’t have to be done by the end of January! Take the pressure off by starting small. You’d be surprised how much you can get done in 15 minutes. Set a timer and see for yourself!

I was working with a client a few weeks ago and he wanted to make a few tweaks to his closet that we’d organized a few years ago when he moved into a new home. I had removed a few shelves at the time and we’d used a leftover shoe organizer that was a bit wonky. It just wasn’t working for him anymore so we put back a few of the shelves, removed the shoe organizer and installed some new hangers. This took maybe 2o minutes. He was thrilled and feels like he has a new closet.

As you can see, this client does not have a huge wardrobe, so this task was made even easier. Even if you have a lot of clothes and need to do some purging, you can end up with the same result, a closet that works better for you. Avoid being overwhelmed by starting with one category, say shoes. Once you’re happy with that area, move on to belts, purses, etc. You get the idea.

I hope this inspires you to start implementing your organizing intentions for 2019.

One of my intentions for 2019 is to start making and posting organizing videos on Instagram. So please let me know what kinds of content you’d like to see!

Holy Santa Claus, it’s hard to believe another year is almost in the books. Hanukkah begins on Sunday and Christmas arrives in less than 30 days. Whether you’re a Black Friday ninja or a last minute shopper, not to worry, I’ve rounded up my annual sure to please stocking stuffer faves from the Container Store.

First up is this handy, dandy 16′ digital tape measure which features a locking mechanism that holds the tape while your measurements are recorded and displayed on a large digital screen. You can store or recall up to three measurements with the push of a button. Best of all, there’s no math. The 16′ eTAPE16 Digital Tape Measure handles that for you, quickly converting numbers from fractions to decimals, or inches to centimeters, and even calculating midpoints so hanging pictures can be a snap.

Up next is a game changer if you walk your dog in the dark. Keep your furry BFF visible at night with the NiteHowl LED Safety Necklace that lights up with a full circle of brightness. The necklace can even be trimmed to fit so it’s a comfortable safety addition to your dog’s own collar. Two settings let you choose constant glow or flashing light mode for visibility from any angle.

This next gift makes me want to take a nap stat! The weighted eye pillow delivers real relief that goes beyond a traditional eye mask. It blocks out light completely but also helps soothe puffy eyes and alleviate migraines, headaches, sinus pain and eyestrain. Filled with tiny ergoBeads that gently conform to your face, the Eye Pillow’s unique construction avoids direct pressure on eyes. Use it for simple relaxation or meditation, or for much-needed comfort when traveling.

I’m a paper and pen list maker and doubt that will ever change, no matter what swanky new technology is still yet to come down the pike. Not to say that I don’t use the notes section of my iPhone, I just prefer a written list. For the rest of you “old folks” here is a great way to organize your weekly to-do list.

I don’t go anywhere without my portable mophie charger, but may just add this Solar Power Bank to my arsenal. This nifty product keeps your smartphones and small devices going if you don’t have access to an outlet. It charges easily via a USB cord or sunshine (may take up to 24 hours for a full charge), and features two USB charging ports so you can connect your device and provide a charge for a friend, too. When not in use, add a carabiner to the top to hang in sunlight for self-charging. Weatherproof, this rugged design even includes an LED flashlight for emergencies.

Who isn’t overwhelmed with keeping track of the myriad of passwords we are constantly using (and hopefully periodically changing) in our 24/7 online lives!! Now you may think this little Internet password keeper is just so 20th Century. I say it’s a simple and safe way to store your precious passwords. Sometimes old school works just fine….

Last, but certainly not least, is a product I’ve recommended in the past, and am still a big fan cuz they work. Keep your credit and bank cards safe from potential identity thieves with RFID-Blocking Credit Card Sleeves . These special sleeves are designed to prevent thieves from being able to remotely scan the digital information stored on your credit and bank cards. And they’re so slim and light, they easily fit in your handbag or wallet.

When all else fails, put it in the garage….for now…..or until someday…….

Sound familiar?

So let’s get off the procrastination wagon and get that garage done, okay?

I promise you it won’t be that bad and you will be soooooooo thrilled and happy when it’s done. Garage goals!!

Let’s get down to brass tacks. What is the first step to garage organization?

PURGING THE CLUTTER, of course. How do we do this?

This can be the hardest part for some people, particularly for things stored in the garage, as they don’t necessarily impact the environment in your home. But they do create visual clutter in your garage and may prevent you from parking your car there, so be honest with yourself:

Do you really need a gazillion electronic cords you have no idea whether they belong to any equipment you still own?

Are you holding onto old furniture that is never going back in your home?

Does the paint on your walls match up with the paint cans in your garage?

You get the idea. Apply some tough love to the purge process. Categorize everything into the following categories:

Once you’ve complete the purge phase, gather items to be donated and either arrange for a pick up or take them to your charity of choice. If you have items designated for e-waste, check in your area for a drop off location. Obviously trash and regular recycle items can be placed in those containers during the purge process. If you want to sell any items, set them aside in a staging area that won’t interfere with organizing the other areas of the garage. While you’re on the motivation train, list your items for sale sooner rather than later, whether it’s on Craig’s List, eBay or another avenue.

What is left should be everything you wish to keep and organize in the garage.

The next step is to categorize the KEEP items by category so they can ultimately be organized into zones This will vary a bit for everyone, but a general example would be:

Seasonal/Holiday

Sports equipment

Tools

Paint

Memorabilia

Household (lightbulbs, cords, etc.)

Costco overflow (extra paper towels, tissues, TP, etc.)

Determine your categories and start placing items in each zone. If you have workable storage in your garage — cabinets and/or shelving, then the next step is to store the remaining items by category. For open shelving I recommend using clear, waterproof bins and label each one with the contents. You can use painters tape and a sharpie to identify contents, or a label maker.

If you don’t have cabinets or shelving and don’t have the budget or desire to invest in more permanent storage solutions at this time, I recommend getting Metro shelving or something similar. You can then store items either in labeled bins or directly on the shelves. Metro shelving has some weight to it, able to hold heavy items. It’s also durable and won’t get damaged by the elements.

Storing large items, like bicycles, gardening equipment, etc. is a bit more challenging but there are so many options out there for accomplishing this piece. To save space I recommend getting everything off the ground and onto the walls or utilizing space under the ceiling.

If you’re looking for options to outfit your garage with storage solutions one of the companies I recommend is Monkey Bars offers a full range of garage products and systems that can be customized to meet your space and needs.

This inspirational quote is one of my most “re-pinned” on Pinterest. I think it resonates with all of us in some way.

Perhaps you hold onto stuff “just in case” you might need it someday. This is a common behavior. There is some practicality to this thought…a bit of a waste not, want not philosophy. While I am all over that philosophy, many of us end up holding onto a whole lot of stuff that never ends up being “needed”, or worse yet, we don’t even remember that we have it.

Over time the “I might need it someday” stuff turns into clutter that doesn’t serve any purpose in your life. In her book entitled “The Happiness Project”, author Gretchen Rubin highlights eight of the most common kinds of clutter:

3. Bargain Clutter – but it was such a great deal. It’s only a great deal if you use it, wear it or gift it.

4. Crutch Clutter – Things you keep but shouldn’t, like worn out clothing with holes and stains.

5. Aspirational Clutter – Things you aspire to use, but never do. This would fall into the category of DIY projects, learning a new skill or sport. Be honest with yourself, are you really going to use the ab-buster you bought on HSN?

6. Outgrown Clutter – This is the opposite of aspirational clutter where you’ve used something so much it no longer works or it’s seen better days. Probably the sweats you’re wearing right now as you read this article.

7. Buyer’s Remorse Clutter – Hey, we’ve all made those mistake purchases. Why have that reminder in your closet when someone else could be enjoying it? Isn’t that what eBay is for?

8. Forgot I Owned it Clutter – This sort of sums it all up. If you start to have so many types of clutter you can’t find the things you truly like and want to use.

As the saying going, there is not time like the present. Take advantage of the long days of summer to sort through your “someday” pile or piles. Don’t we all want to be surrounded by things that add value to our lives, versus those that just take up space or represent clutter?

While it may seem daunting to start this task, the process is so cathartic I guarantee you will be thrilled with the results. If you can’t bear the idea of tackling this by yourself ask a friend to help – or hire your favorite Organizer! Who knows, it could even be fun.

Start small. Choose a small closet or area that you know needs your attention. Put on some music, dress in comfy clothes and grab supplies. You’ll need some trash bags or large shopping bags for lightweight and soft items, and boxes for breakables and rags for cleaning shelves, etc. Pull everything out of the closet or drawers and sort each item into categories. Designate areas of the room for each category: KEEP, DONATE, TRASH, and SELL.

Once you’ve categorized everything, decide how you want to organize what you are keeping. Will these items stay in the same place? Do the items need to be redistributed around the house? Do you need storage containers to make these items easier to find in the future? Think about how you can maximize the storage in the closet or space. Put like items together and label the containers for easy retrieval. Utilize the vertical space. There are so many over the door hooks and storage options that can maximize vertical space.

For the donation items drop them off at your charity of choice that day or call for a pick-up. Try to recycle any items identified as trash (paper, plastic, etc.). If you’re planning to have a garage sale, designate a space to store these items. Choose a date now for the garage sale. You don’t want to trade one kind of clutter for another by clearing out a closet only to dump everything in your garage until you decide to have a yard sale “someday.”

If you are selling items either on ebay or Craig’s List take photos and list them asap. Again, you don’t want to create new clutter that becomes another “someday” I will sell it pile.

As you go through this process remember that as you are clearing out the physical clutter you are also clearing away emotional and mental clutter, making space for the good stuff. So take action today, not someday!

Summer, my favorite season, is officially only a week away. Many of you will be packing your bags and heading off to locations near and far. We all know the process of travel is definitely not the fun part, and can be downright stressful.

To help you minimize the stress of packing, I’ve rounded up an updated list of must have travel goodies to make your trip a bit more seamless.

If you’re going on a road trip, packing makeup can be a challenge as cars get awfully hot and well, things can melt. Cosmetics aren’t cheap, so do yourself a favor and order this ice pops cool it caddy from the Container Store. Love the pink!

Another must have for car trips is a USB car charger. Keep your devices fully charged and you’ll easily navigate your way to a fun vacation.

If your trip includes a long or international flight, you’ll be sitting for many hours, which we all know isn’t so good for our health. Pop these compression socks in your carry-on bag and simply slip them on after take off.

No matter where your travels take you this all in one adapter will work for all your electronic devices.

This handy “GIO” organizer pouch has clever slots to hold cords, zip drives, glasses and other small items you don’t want to misplace.

Right on target, we are having a mini Fall heatwave here in L.A., because it wouldn’t be October without such weather! So even though I won’t be trading my sandals for boots & loafers until at least sometime in November, I chose today to clean my closet (how do those dust bunnies appear so fervently and quickly?), to do a little purging and a seasonal swap-out.

To be honest, my real incentive for taking on such a task on a very warm morning was to hopefully rid my closet of whatever nasty bug has chosen to snack on a lot of my cotton tees. Until I googled it, I didn’t even realize this was a thing, ugh…

So what better time to share my tips for seasonal closet updates.

Caring for Cashmere & Wool

Despite our annual warm temps, us Angelenos still don cashmere sweaters on occasion, especially those of the cardigan variety. To prevent moth holes I’ve found that using Cedar Hang Ups and Cedar Blocks go a long way to protect these delicate garments. Use the Cedar Hang Ups in-between sweaters you keep on hangers. Place the cedar blocks in-between sweaters that are folded on a shelf or in a drawer. You don’t need a hang up or block for every sweater; just place several of them among the clothing to ensure protection.

Cedar HangUp

Cedar Blocks

The cedar “effect” does wear off over the course of a year. The good news is you don’t need to buy new blocks or hang ups, simply buy Cedar Spray to reinvigorate your existing product. Make sure to spray both sides in a well ventilated space as the odor is quite strong. Once dry, just place the Cedar pieces back in the closet and/or drawers and you’re good to go for another moth-free year.

Cedar Spray

Seasonal Wardrobe Clean Out

A change of seasons is always a great time to do a little closet purging. Take stock of everything in your closet and ask yourself the following questions:

Do I still like it?

Will I “actually” wear it?

Does it need to be repaired or cleaned?

Does it fit?

Is it flattering?

Is it still stylish?

Be honest with yourself, because each item you keep that youknow won’t get worn takes up valuable real estate in your closet; space that could be used by something you truly love and will actually wear this coming season. My motto is, every time I bring in something new, one or two items leave. It’s really true that we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. Same goes for shoes and bags.

Just saying……….

We’ve all made the occasional bad purchase and may have even spent more than a few bucks, but that’s no reason to keep them. Other times we really like something, but for whatever reason haven’t worn it. For these kinds of items, and also those that may have been worn a few times or are gently used, Ebay is a great options or recouping some of the $$ spent. See my post on selling your stuff online and you’ll see how very easy it is to get started.

The rest can be donated and then you’ve got a nice tax deduction. After today’s clean out of my own closet I’ve got two bags ready to donate.

The Swap Out

I like to seasonally move things around in my closet to showcase the current season. By November, linen clothing, summer dresses, most sandals and brightly colored tees go away until Spring. The darker hues, long sleeve tops/tees, sweaters and cords move to the front of the closet. It’s a subtle shift to be sure, especially here in the land of eternal sunshine and mild temps, but a shift nonetheless.

Depending upon your closet size and other available storage areas (additional closets, high shelves, under the bed) you can find ways to make the shift work for you. During this process take stock of what needs to be repaired (boots, shoes, bags) and cleaned (sweaters, etc.) and add them to your errand list.

Closet Organizers

Here are some options for off-season storage containers that will make the swap easy peasy and also allow you to retrieve these items quickly.

If you’re anything like me, you might have a few, oodles of shoes. In addition to the shoes I store in my closet, I store many off season shoes under my bed.

Under the Bed Shoe Storage

For off season clothing that can easily be folded, I am a big fan of these clear storage bins from The Container Store. They come in several sizes and can be used for clothing, shoes, as well as other household items (first aid kit, shoe kit, batteries, etc.). I do recommend labeling the outside of each box for easy identification.

Clear Storage Bins

Us gals know that handbags can be a bit unruly to store. I’ve found that the best year-round method for organizing bags is to use shelf dividers. They make it easy to organize bags by size and keep them upright, easy to see and retrieve. Just please be careful when you are removing the packaging from these suckers and don’t be like me and slice your finger like I did a few weeks ago. Hazards of the job…….

Shelf Dividers

Enjoy the these warm temps while they last, and let me know how your closet “clean-out/swap-out” goes.

It’s still 80+ degrees every single day, and yet November is just days away.

So hard to imagine even a slight chill in the air, let alone torrential downpours and wait for it — YES, an opportunity to wear a sweater and boots.

My prediction, as some of you know, is that we will go straight from our endless summer smack dab into endless days of rain. While after a four year drought this may sound like manna from heaven; if your roof is leaking or your windshield wipers go kaput while you’re stuck in traffic on the 405, you won’t exactly be singing in the rain.

So, what to do to get ready for our friend El Nino? — which by the way, could drop up to 35 inches of rain this winter – OY!!!

photo courtesy of the L.A. Times

Start by taking stock and preparing now, while it’s still dry. Key areas to address are your home, garage, outdoor spaces, car and ensuring your disaster supplies are in order.

I would also suggest that you transfer any boxed items in your garage to watertight storage bins and move them a few feet off the ground in case of any water leaks or potential floods.

Once you have prepared your home to be a safe harbor, you can switch gears to dusting off your umbrellas and unearthing all your rain gear that hasn’t seen the light of day in eons. Should a little shopping be in order I’ve got you covered.

First on my list of must needed rain items are a good (and of course stylish) pair of rain boots. I’m not about to ruin my suede booties attempting to leap across a three-feet wide puddle of water on my way to the latest hipster spot for dinner.

Hunter Rainboots

While mudrooms are not common in California, we still need a place to dry out those wet boots and shoes. Welcome the boot tray. What a nifty invention. Doesn’t take up a lot of space, yet a great solution.

Boot tray

Keep umbrellas in your car, office and home to ensure that you’re never caught without one.

Where to store those wet umbrellas you might ask, lest they end up in your tub or front porch? Of course I have found some nifty storage solutions:

While on vacation last week in San Francisco this happened. Around 10pm, nearly home from a lovely evening in the city, my good friend Miki and I were heading south on the 101 freeway, already in our exit lane, when traffic came to a dead stop. This exit is currently a construction site for a new overpass and changes to the exit lane. About 15 minutes before we arrived we learned that four electrical wires fell onto the 101 freeway after a crane knocked down a transmission tower. Nice going PG&E.

We and hundreds of strangers were then stranded on the freeway for nearly five hours, with zero communication from any kind of official. Not even a CHP on a motorcycle, who, of course could have easily driven between the stranded vehicles with a bull horn to let us know what the heck was going on and when we might actually make it home.

AM radio, our only communication to the outside world, tried to keep us informed, periodically stating that PG&E would soon be arriving to shut down power, remove the lines from the highway, and send us on our merry way. NOT. About two hours later PG&E finally showed up, albeit without the proper equipment to remedy the situation. Really?

Despite this comedy tragedy of errors we were surprisingly zen about the whole situation. Maybe it was because it was late and we were tired. Maybe it was because we realized we had no options, short of abandoning the car, walking off the freeway and UBERing home.

About three plus hours into this situation, with no word on when we might be set free, nature began to call roar. Hum, what to do? We noticed a few women had crossed over the concrete divider onto the dirt around the construction site to discreetly relieve themselves. Not the best option, but clearly no other option existed.

Miki, wearing a dress, followed suit like the other women, and went for it. For me the choices were a bit more dicey. Why you ask? I was wearing a jumpsuit!! Figures, right? I’ve always considered myself very resourceful. This was certainly put to the test that night. Without getting all TMI on you, let’s just say I had a “MacGyver” moment on the 101, not one I care to replicate anytime soon!

An hour later, at 2:30am, a lone CHP showed up and had everyone turn around and drive north on the southbound lane to exit.

This nightmarish experience got me thinking that certain emergency supplies must now always be in my trunk (and yours)— just in case. Living in earthquake country this should be a given, but it’s something we just don’t get around to doing.

First on the list of must needed items is of course a device to use when nature calls. Believe it or not this portable urinal works for males and females. If that doesn’t seem doable, there is always Depends!

This site and this one provide comprehensive emergency supply lists for your car, home, school, etc.

Other items that will soon be making their way into my trunk, include:

Flashlight

Blanket

Sneakers/socks

Sweatshirt

Water

Snacks

Charger for phone

Plastic bags

Paper towels/tissues

Purell

Water bowl/treats/food/meds (if you travel with your pet)

From this day forward I will never get into my car with a full bladder. I challenge you to do the same!

I get it. It’s hard to let go of your stuff. Most of us have too much……of well……everything. Sadly, it has become the American way to over-consume and have the latest and greatest. Whether it’s the next level i-phone, or the it handbag, we are all guilty of succumbing to the pressure.

So, what to do with those shoes you only wore once that pinch your toes, or the dress with the tags still on it….. as you scratch your head wondering why you even bought it??? Or maybe you’ve got a box full of electronics that still work, but have been replaced by the latest version. Donating is great, but sometimes it makes more sense to sell your stuff.

I’ve good news for you. There are tons of online options to sell these items quickly and easily. You’ll not only make money, but you’ll have purged the overflow and be on your way to organizing those closets and drawers!

If you have a smartphone or camera and basic computer skills it’s soooo easy to get started today.

You are probably familiar with ebay, where you can buy and sell practically anything. I started selling on ebay about three years ago and have been very successful. At first I was a bit intimidated, but quickly learned it’s easy peasy. Once you establish a login, Ebay provides an easy to use template that guides you through the process. You simply take a bunch of good photos (different angles), upload them, and complete the template for the item you are selling. I always look to see what similar items sold for to gauge my auction price point. I’ve sold clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry.

I typically don’t offer free shipping and do a mix of auction style sales versus “buy-it-now” sales, which feature a set price.You do need to have a paypal account in order to get paid. The fees are pretty reasonable; 10% for all items sold, and up to 20 free insertions per month. Paypal also takes a very nominal fee, I think it’s less than 2%. Once your item sells and you’ve been paid, you simply print a shipping label created by Ebay, pack up your item and send it to the buyer. If you’d like more help with using Ebay please reach out to me. I list items for clients as well as myself.

A newer site to sell clothing and accessories is tradesy.com. At tradesy.com you choose items in good condition, from Zara to Chanel. You take a few photos that they will enhance once you’ve uploaded to the site. They’ll propose a price or you can choose your own. Once your items sells they will send you a free shipping kit.

At poshmark.com you can create your own closet of items to sell, and/or shop other people’s closets, much like tradesy.com. You upload a photo of your item, filter it with one our their unique filters, add a description and you’re done. For sales under $15, Poshmark takes a flat $2.95 fee. For sales over $15, you get 80%, they get 20%. Shipping is a flat $4.95 for all orders.

If you’ve got high end designer goods, check out therealreal.com. The RealReal is a luxury consignment site. They offer the largest selection of pre-owned and authenticated luxury items, including men’s and women’s fashion, jewelry, watches and fine art. Consignors earn 60-70% of the sale price and most items sell within three days of listing. They offer white glove pick-up in many cities or free shipping via FedEx.

Got cds’s, dvd’s and games lying around the house? Check out decluttr.com. You add the barcodes of your items into their valuation engine, pack them up and ship to them for free. They will send you a check or direct deposit into your checking account.

I sold my iPhone 4 on gazelle.com, and while I didn’t get much because it was an iPhone “4”, this is a great place to sell smartphones and other electronics. You provide information about your device and they will instantly give you a price. If you like it, they provide a shipping label, you box up your item and boom, they send you a check.

So don’t be intimidated by selling online. It really is easy and can be fun.

It never ceases to amaze me the sheer breadth of good how-to information on the web. From clever new products that truly do add value to your life, to how to do something easier, quicker or better. Since so many of these gems are organizing related, I thought I’d share them with you today.

Sometimes you just don’t want to carry a purse of any kind but still need a place for your stuff. High tech meets high fashion with the Bandolier, a stylish cross-body case for your iPhone, cards and cash.

If you’re not in the habit of washing new clothes before you wear them you will now.

Sometimes your neighbor isn’t home when you realize you don’t have that one key ingredient in a recipe. Apparently you can substitute some recipe items with emergency ingredient solutions.

I just LOVE summer and outdoor entertaining. But I don’t love the pesky bugs that seem to find their way to the food the minute it reaches the table. Here’s a clever solution using cupcake liners to keep the bugs out of your drinks.

Do you have any “good to know” hacks and tricks? I’d love to hear about them.